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The chemical components of natural fragrant plant extracts are of high complexity, and the strategies for quality control (QC) and further discovery of fragrance mechanisms still need to be further investigated. This study integrated the strategies and methods of untargeted metabolomics and chemometrics and statistical modeling to attain the goal. The techniques of reversed-phase and HILIC analysis of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS) were simultaneously used to collect data in both positive and negative ion modes. The pattern analysis of fingerprints and discovery of characteristic molecular markers for QC analysis were comprehensively employed to reach in-depth analysis of the quality variation and discovery of differential molecules among natural fragrant plant extracts. The former uses fingerprint technique to analyze their overall similarities and differences, and the latter comprehensively discovers molecular substances characterizing the chemical characteristics of fragrant extracts with the help of metabolomics and univariate and multivariate methods. The findings are expected to be used as the molecular markers in product manufacturing, sales, and consumption to achieve accurate quality control and recognition of targeted molecules for potential quality monitoring using spectroscopy techniques. In this work, 27 natural fragrant extracts were applied as examples, and their chemical components were comprehensively analyzed with discovery of markers for quality control. After data integration, 1178 molecules were annotated, and 267 differential metabolite molecules with the values of variable importance in the projection (VIP) larger than 1.0 were found. The results show that the method proposed in this work is of great significance for high-coverage analysis, QC marker discovery, and aroma mechanism elucidation, which has potential applications in the areas of food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the most important abiotic factors limiting plant productivity. Although the aromatic plants of the Lamiaceae family often grow in arid regions, drought tolerance varies greatly among the different species of this family. The effect of induced drought stress can be reduced by the application of selenium. The current study aims to compare the growth and biochemical responses of three species of the Lamiaceae family (hyssop, salvia, and oregano) to drought stress and the possibility of reducing the effect of stress in these plants by foliar treatment with selenium. Drought stress reduced the fresh and dry biomass of hyssop (by 35% and 15%), salvia (by 45% and 41%), and oregano (by 51% and 32%). Se treatment did not affect the growth of plants under drought stress, but it improved relative water content in hyssop and salvia under moderate drought conditions. A reduction in the content of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b (in hyssop and salvia). In addition, an increase in the content of hydrogen peroxide (in oregano and salvia), malondialdehyde, and proline in plants cultivated under drought conditions was observed. Se treatment led to reduced levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, along with an increase in chlorophyll a content (in hyssop and oregano) and proline content. The response of the antioxidant system depended on the plant species. Hyssop exhibited a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities. Oregano showed enhanced catalase activity. Salvia experienced a sharp increase in ascorbic acid content. Se treatment stimulated the accumulation of phenolic compounds and increased glutathione peroxidase activity in all studied species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dracocephalum kotschyi Boiss., an endemic and endangered medicinal and aromatic plant in Iran, showcases distinct botanical characteristics and therapeutic promise. According to the IUCN grouping criteria, this plant is facing challenges due to overcollection from its natural habitats. To address this issue, there is an increasing inclination towards cultivating this species within agricultural systems. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of applying Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) at varying concentrations (50, 100, and 200 mg L-1), as well as bulk Fe2O3 at the same concentrations, on the growth, essential oil production, antioxidant capacity, total phenol, and flavonoid content of D. kotschyi. The foliar application of 100 and/or 200 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs resulted in the greatest leaf length and dry weight, while Fe2O3 NPs at the level of 100 mg L-1 led to the highest leaf/stem ratio. Additionally, spraying 200 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs and all concentrations of bulk Fe2O3 positively impacted chlorophyll and carotenoid levels. Both nano and bulk Fe2O3 supplements stimulated H2O2 production and subsequently enhanced enzymatic antioxidant activity. The use of 50 mg L-1 of Fe2O3 NPs resulted in the highest flavonoid content and non-enzymatic antioxidant activity. Meanwhile, the highest essential oil content and yield was achieved by the application of 50 and/or 100mg L-1 Fe2O3 NPs. The addition of low concentration of Fe2O3 NPs (50 mg L-1) resulted in a significant increase in the concentration of geranial, while a higher supply of Fe2O3 NPs (200 mg L-1) significantly decreased the percentage of neral in the essential oil. Overall, the application of Fe2O3 NPs demonstrated significant potential for increased biomass, enhanced yield, essential oil production, and phytochemical attributes. The findings highlight the versatility of Fe2O3 NPs at optimal concentrations, acting as both a nano-fertilizer and a nano-inducer, promoting the production and accumulation of valuable secondary metabolites in plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Galangal (Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd) and bitter ginger (Zingiber zerumbet (L.) Roscoe) are aromatic rhizomatous plants that are typically used for culinary purposes. These rhizomatous plants have many biological properties and the potential to be beneficial for pharmaceutics. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, with a specific focus on acne-causing bacteria, as well as the phytochemical constituents, of different parts of galangal and bitter ginger. The rhizomes, stems, and leaves of galangal and bitter ginger were separately dried for absolute ethanol and methanol extractions. The extracts were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity using a DPPH radical scavenging assay (0.005–5000 μg/mL), antimicrobial activity against acne-causing bacteria (0.50–31.68 mg/mL), and in vitro cytotoxicity toward human keratinocytes and fibroblasts (62.5–1000 μg/mL), as well as analyses of bioactive phytochemicals via GC-MS and LC-MS/MS (500 ppm). The ethanol and methanol extracts of bitter ginger and galangal's rhizomes (BRhE, BRhM, GRhE, and GRhM), stems (BStE, BStM, GRhE, and GRhM), and leaves (BLeE, BLeM, GLeE, and GLeM), respectively, showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The extracts of all parts of bitter ginger and galangal were greatly antioxidative with 0.06–1.42 mg/mL for the IC50 values, while most of the extracts were strongly antimicrobial against C. acnes DMST 14916, particularly BRhM, BRhE, GRhM, and GRhE (MICs: 3.96–7.92 mg/mL). These rhizome extracts had also antimicrobial activities against S. aureus TISTR 746 (MICs: 7.92–31.68 mg/mL) and S. epidermidis TISTR 518 (MICs: 7.92–15.84 mg/mL). The extracts of bitter ginger and galangal rhizomes were not toxic to HaCaT and MRC-5 even at the highest concentrations. Through GC-MS and LC-MS/MS analysis, phytochemicals in bitter ginger rhizome extracts, including zerumbone, tectorigenin, piperic acid, demethoxycurcumin, and cirsimaritin, and galangal rhizome extracts, including sweroside and neobavaisoflavone, were expected to provide the antioxidant and anti-microbial activities. Therefore, the results suggest that the bitter ginger and galangal extracts could be natural anti-acne compounds with potential for pharmaceutic, cosmetic, and aesthetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pollination is a key tenet of ecosystem sustainability and food security, but it is threatened by climate change. While many studies investigated the response of plant‐pollination traits to temperature, few attempted multifactorial and integrative approaches with multiple floral traits. We determined which plant‐pollination traits were disrupted by environmental changes and the consequence for plant fitness. We focused on the thermogenic plant, Arum italicum, which relies on floral scent and heat production to attract its pollinators with a deceptive strategy. In a field mesocosm, we measured the response of floral phenology, thermogenesis traits, scent and plant fitness to experimental changes in shade level, water supply and soil temperature. In the laboratory, we exposed plants to extreme heat to determine the thermoregulation ability at high temperatures. Plant fitness decreased dramatically in response to soil warming and the level of shade. While both factors caused a lower number of inflorescences, soil warming was mostly responsible for the crash in number of fruits. The plant traits related to thermogenesis and scent were relatively resilient to the environmental changes in the mesocosm and were unlikely to produce the observed decrease in plant fitness. First, environmental changes only weakly modified the scent composition. Second, the appendix regulated its maximal temperature almost perfectly, while stamen regulated imperfectly. In the laboratory experiment, the appendix maintained a thermal gradient supposedly to improve scent emission while stamen became cooler than ambient air, possibly preventing the pollinators from overheating within the floral chamber. By contrast, the phenology of flowering was drastically modified. Flowers appeared earlier in the season in response to soil warming (by 39 days) or absence of shade (by 19 days). At the daily scale, flowering hour did not change across the season resulting in plants flowering before sunset late in the season and before the pollinator activity window (mostly nocturnal). The strong shift observed in the flowering period may induce a temporal mismatch with this pollinator both early and late in the season when the insects may not be active so early in the spring and during daytime, respectively, thereby altering plant fitness. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Flowers can be a source of essential oils used in the manufacture of substances with high economic value. The ethylene response factor (ERF) gene family plays a key role in regulating secondary metabolite biosynthesis in plants. However, until now, little has been known about the involvement of ERF transcription factors (TFs) in floral terpenoid biosynthesis. Results: In this study, an aromatic plant, Primula forbesii Franch., was used as research material to explore the key regulatory effects of PfERF106 on the biosynthesis of terpenoids. PfERF106, which encodes an IXb group ERF transcription factor, exhibited a consistent expression trend in the flowers of P. forbesii and was transcriptionally induced by exogenous ethylene. Transient silencing of PfERF106 in P. forbesii significantly decreased the relative contents of key floral terpenes, including (z)-β-ocimene, sabinene, β-pinene, γ-terpinene, linalool, eremophilene, α-ionone, and α-terpineol. In contrast, constitutive overexpression of PfERF106 in transgenic tobacco significantly increased the relative contents of key floral terpenes, including cis-3-hexen-1-ol, linalool, caryophyllene, cembrene, and sclareol. RNA sequencing of petals of PfERF106-silenced plants and empty-vector control plants revealed 52,711 expressed unigenes and 9,060 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). KEGG annotation analysis revealed that the DEGs were enriched for involvement in secondary metabolic biosynthetic pathways, including monoterpene and diterpene synthesis. Notably, 10 downregulated DEGs were determined to be the downstream target genes of PfERF106 affecting the biosynthesis of terpenoids in P. forbesii. Conclusion: This study characterized the key positive regulatory effects of PfERF106 on the biosynthesis of terpenoids, indicating high-quality genetic resources for aroma improvement in P. forbesii. Thus, this study advances the artificial and precise directional regulation of metabolic engineering of aromatic substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In plant production, evaluation of salt stress protectants concerning their potential to improve growth and productivity under saline stress is critical. Bacillus subtilis (Bs) and cobalt (Co) have been proposed to optimize salt stress tolerance in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L. cv. Balady) plants by influencing some physiological activities. The main aim of this work is to investigate the response of (Bs) and (Co) as eco-safe salt stress protectants to resist the effect of salinity, on growth, seed, and essential oil yield, and the most important biochemical constituents of coriander produced under salt stress condition. Therefore, in a split-plot factorial experiment design in the RCBD (randomized complete block design), four levels of salinity of NaCl irrigation water (SA) were assigned to the main plots; (0.5, 1.5, 4, and 6 dS m−1); and six salt stress protectants (SP) were randomly assigned to the subplots: distilled water; 15 ppm (Co1); 30 ppm (Co2); (Bs); (Co1 + Bs); (Co2 + Bs). The study concluded that increasing SA significantly reduced coriander growth and yield by 42.6%, which could be attributed to ion toxicity, oxidative stress, or decreased vital element content. From the results, we recommend that applying Bs with Co (30 ppm) was critical for significantly improving overall growth parameters. This was determined by the significant reduction in the activity of reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) and non-enzyme: proline by 5, 11.3, 14.7, and 13.8% respectively, while increasing ascorbic acid by 8% and preserving vital nutrient levels and enhancing plant osmotic potential to buffer salt stress, seed yield per plant, and essential oil yield increased by 12.6 and 18.8% respectively. The quality of essential oil was indicated by highly significant quantities of vital biological phytochemicals such as linalool, camphor, and protein which increased by 10.3, 3.6, and 9.39% respectively. Additional research is suggested to determine the precise mechanism of action of Bs and Co's dual impact on medicinal and aromatic plant salt stress tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It was aimed to examine the antioxidant, phenolic profile, and volatile compound contents of seven different aromatic plant samples (broccoli, yarpuz, walnut leaves, marshmallow, wild clary, harmala, and common yarrow) collected from Adilcevaz district of Bitlis province in Türkiye. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) device was used for the volatile profile of the plant varieties. The most abundant volatile compounds were generally heptacosane compound that showed anticancer and antimicrobial effects. Piperitone oxide was detected only in yarpuz samples. Phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the plant samples were found to be highly significant (p <.01). When the amounts of total flavonoids were ranked from the largest to the smallest according to plant varieties, it was determined as wild clary > walnut leaves > yarpuz > common yarrow > marshmallow > harmala > broccoli. According to both antioxidant activity methods, wild clary had the lowest IC50 (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration) value, i.e. the highest antioxidant activity. The highest amount of epicatechin was determined in yarpuz (898.30 μg/g) and the lowest amount of epicatechin was determined in wild clary (86.09 μg/g). No epicatechin was detected in the other four plant samples. Among the samples, melatonin hormone was detected only in common yarrow, harmala, and broccoli and the highest value was determined in common yarrow (3996.27 ng/g). Therefore, it shows that plant samples are rich sources of phytochemicals that can play an important role in preventing the progression of many diseases related to oxidative stress in traditional medicine treatment as functional food sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nepetoideae, a subfamily of Lamiaceae (mint family), is rich in aromatic plants, many of which are sought after for their use as flavors and fragrances or for their medicinal properties. Here, we present genome assemblies for two species in Nepetiodeae: Drepanocaruym sewerzowii and Marmoritis complanata. Both assemblies were generated using Oxford Nanopore Q20 + reads with contigs anchored to nine pseudomolecules that resulted in 335 Mb and 305 Mb assemblies, respectively, and BUSCO scores above 95% for both the assembly and annotation. We furthermore provide a species tree for the Lamiaceae using only genome-derived gene models, complementing existing transcriptome and marker-based phylogenies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the adoption level of essential oil extraction practices among lemon growers in the Pothwar region of Punjab, Pakistan. A well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 138 smallholders using the interview method by trained remunerators. Descriptive statistics and econometrics; logit and Poisson regression were employed for data analysis. Results of farmers' perceptions of adopting new practices indicated that 10.1% of the farmers are not adopting any one, 22.5% are adopting any three, and 26.8% are adopting all four practices. Moreover, farmers' age, farming experience, land holding, skill, training participation, and receptivity proved to be statistically significant determinants in improving the likelihood of adopting all four practices under the logit and Poisson models, respectively. Hence, it is recommended that the provision of an effective package in the form of literature concerning essential oil extraction practices to the doorsteps of smallholders during demonstration sessions, along with adequate professional training, could help in improving farmers' perceptions toward adoption and strengthening the essential oil sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review provides evidence on the genetic diversity, chemical constituents, and ecotoxicology of Mesosphaerum suaveolens' essential oil. It emphasizes the agricultural benefits such as crop protection effectiveness of the plant and highlights the existing knowledge gaps and research perspectives to promote its utilization in agriculture. A systematic and extensive review of the literature was done and all pertinent full-text articles and abstracts were analyzed and incorporated into the review. Mesosphaerum suaveolens is used traditionally in pharmacology to treat several diseases such as malaria, constipation, stomach problems, and renal inflammation. It also treats cramps, digestive infections, headaches, and skin infections. To date, very few studies have been conducted worldwide about its genetic diversity. These studies highlighted three morphological variants, the blue-flowering, the white-flowering, and the lightpurple flowering M. suaveolens. Its wide biological actions may be attributed to the numerous groups of chemical constituents in its essential oil including monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and diterpenes. Biological studies highlighted evidence of M. suaveolens being used as an antifungal, bactericidal, antimicrobial, insecticidal, and repellent plant. The essential oil extracted from M. suaveolens showed significant potential for the control of agricultural pests such as Sitiophilus zeamais, Helicoverpa armigera and Helminthosporium oryzae. M. suaveolens is commonly used worldwide as a pesticidal plant in healthcare, agriculture, and food preservation. However, there is a lack of studies concerning the toxicity and effectiveness of isolated potent phytotoxic substances, the efficacy screening in the field, the genetic diversity, the essential oil yield, and productivity. Consequently, further studies are required to fill the knowledge gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This research underscores the potential of Portuguese oregano and thyme accessions as rich sources of diverse phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have been less studied compared to the dominant monoterpenes thymol and carvacrol. These compounds contribute significantly to the antioxidant properties of the plants, offering potential applications in the food industry. By incorporating these unique phenolic profiles into food formulations or active packaging, the antioxidant benefits can enhance the food shelf life, improve the nutritional value, and support health and well-being. This makes these accessions valuable for developing innovative, healthier food products. Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and thyme (Thymus mastichina L.) are popular aromatic plants used in the culinary sphere and are known for their antioxidant capacity. This study investigates the variability in the antioxidant capacity and phenolic profiles, focusing on flavonoids and phenolic acids, of oregano and thyme accessions from the Portuguese Bank of Plant Germplasm. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by measurements using the ferric-ion-reducing antioxidant power and DPPH radical scavenging activity assays, Total Phenolic Content, and individual phenolic compounds. Oregano extracts presented the highest total phenolic content (~2152 mg GAE/g DW), while thyme extracts showed the highest ferric-reducing antioxidant powers. However, both aromatic plants (~0.58 mmol TE/g DW) presented similar DPPH radical scavenging capacities. Rosmarinic acid was the major phenolic compound in methanolic extracts from oregano and thyme, but higher amounts were found in thyme (23.11 to 40.45 mg/g DW). The accessions of oregano and thyme showed statistical differences in the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. This study provides valuable insights into the phenolic profile of Portuguese oregano and thyme, which could constitute potential sources of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds, to be used by the food industry as natural food additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) from various medicinal and aromatic plants are known for their diverse biological activities, including their antimicrobial effects. Citrus aurantium EO is traditionally used for therapeutic benefits due to its high content of bioactive compounds. Therefore, this study focuses on its potential use as a food preservative by investigating the combined antibacterial properties of EOs from leaves (EO1), flowers (EO2), and small branches (EO3) of Citrus aurantium against six bacterial strains by the agar disk diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) methods. The chemical compositions of the EOs were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and revealed the presence of numerous compounds responsible for their antimicrobial properties. The MIC values for the EOs were 3.12 mg/mL, 4.23 mg/mL, and 1.89 mg/mL, for EO1, EO2 and EO3, respectively, while the MBC values were 12.5 mg/mL, 6.25 mg/mL, and 6.25 mg/mL, respectively. A simplex centroid design was created to analyse the effect of the individual and combined EOs against E. coli. The combined EOs showed enhanced antibacterial activity compared to the individual oils, suggesting a synergistic effect (e.g., trial 9 with an MIC of 0.21 mg/mL), allowing the use of lower EO concentrations and reducing potential negative effects on food flavour and aroma. Additionally, the practical application of investigated EOs (at concentrations twice the MIC) was investigated in raw chicken meat stored at 4 °C for 21 days. The EOs, individually and in combination, effectively extended the shelf life of the meat by inhibiting bacterial growth (total bacterial count of less than 1 × 104 CFU/g in the treated samples compared to 7 × 107 CFU/g in the control on day 21 of storage). The study underlines the potential of C. aurantium EOs as natural preservatives that represent a sustainable and effective alternative to synthetic chemicals in food preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Boron is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and productivity, yet excessive boron leads to toxicity, posing significant challenges for agriculture. Fragrant rice is popular among consumers, but the impact of boron toxicity on qualitative traits of fragrant rice, especially aroma, remains largely unexplored. The individual potentials of melatonin and salicylic acid in reducing boron toxicity are less known, while their synergistic effects and mechanisms in fragrant rice remain unclear. Methods: Thus, this study investigates the combined application of melatonin and salicylic acid on fragrant rice affected by boron toxicity. One-week-old seedlings were subjected to boron (0 and 800 µM) and then treated with melatonin and salicylic acid (0 and 100 µM, for 3 weeks). Results: Boron toxicity significantly impaired photosynthetic pigments, plant growth, and chloroplast integrity while increasing oxidative stress markers such as hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, methylglyoxal, and betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase. Likewise, boron toxicity abridged the precursors involved in the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) biosynthesis pathway. However, individual as well as combined application of melatonin and salicylic acid ameliorated boron toxicity by strengthening the antioxidant defense mechanisms—including the enzymes involved during the ascorbate–glutathione (AsA–GSH) cycle and glyoxalase system—and substantially improved 2-AP precursors including proline, P5C, Δ1-pyrroline, and GABA levels, thereby restoring the 2-AP content and aroma. These findings deduce that melatonin and salicylic acid synergistically alleviate boron toxicity-induced disruptions on the 2-AP biosynthesis pathway by improving the 2-AP precursors and enzymatic activities, as well as modulating the physio-biochemical processes and antioxidant defense system of fragrant rice plants. Conclusions: The findings of this study have the potential to enhance rice productivity and stress tolerance, offering solutions to improve food security and sustainability in agricultural practices, particularly in regions affected by environmental stressors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize actinobacteria from the rhizosphere of medicinal and aromatic plants, specifically lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), and oregano (Origanum vulgare L.). Rhizospheric soil samples revealed a high abundance of culturable actinobacteria (6.97–7.23 log10 CFU/g). Six isolates were selected for their promising enzymatic activities (lignin peroxidase, carboxymethyl cellulase) and antimicrobial properties. Isolates M345 and M162 exhibited the highest cellulase activity indices (3.19 ± 0.71 and 2.54 ± 0.22, respectively), with five isolates producing lignin peroxidase. These actinobacteria also demonstrated plant growth-promoting traits such as phosphate solubilization and nitrogen fixation, along with strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi. Additionally, they significantly enhanced maize seed germination, increasing the vigor index from 4283.33 ± 1264.37 to 6248.28 ± 1661.94 compared to that of the control. These results indicate that the isolated actinobacteria strains hold potential as microbial inoculants for sustainable agriculture, contributing to soil health, plant growth, and pathogen management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ziziphora clinopodioides L. is a valuable medicinal and aromatic plant; however, its special requirements for proper growth and enhanced secondary metabolite composition have limited its production and availability. The lack of appropriate fertilizer dosage recommendations is one of these limiting factors for ex situ conservation and large-scale cultivation. This study investigated the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization on Z. clinopodioides in both open field and unheated greenhouse conditions. The determined research factor was N dosage (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg N ha−1 in the field) and (0, 200, 400, and 600 mg N pot−1 in the greenhouse). It was found that Z. clinopodioides plants could grow successfully outside their natural habitat with sufficient N fertilization yielding a satisfactory amount of metabolites per plantation area. Specifically, among the tested dosages, the 120 kg N ha−1 (which showed no significant difference from 80 kg N ha−1) and 400 mg N pot−1 fertilizers increased the aboveground dry and fresh biomass, essential oil (EO) content, and yield. Nitrogen fertilization showed a direct correlation with menthone, neo-menthol, menthol, pulegone, E-ocimenone, and spathulenol, but a negative correlation with α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, 1,8-cineol, trans-pulegol, and iso-menthone. This study is the first to evaluate the effects of N fertilization on the genus Ziziphora. The results indicate that utilizing N fertilizer at a moderate rate (80 kg N ha−1 in the field and 400 mg N pot−1 in the greenhouse) can improve the agronomic traits and EO of Z. clinopodioides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Revegetation emerges as a promising approach to alleviate the adverse impacts of mining residues. However, it is essential to evaluate the characteristics of these materials and select suitable plant species to ensure successful ecosystem restoration. This study aimed to investigate the effects of phosphate-mine residues (MR) on the growth, biochemical properties, and essential oil concentration of Rosmarinus officinalis L., Salvia Officinalis L., Lavandula dentata L., and Origanum majorana L. The results showed that R. officinalis L. appeared to be particularly well-suited to thriving in MR soil. Our finding also revealed that L. dentata L., O. majorana L., and S. officinalis L. grown in MR exhibited significantly lower growth performance (lower shoot length, smaller leaves, and altered root structure) and higher antioxidant activities, with an alterations of photosynthetic pigment composition. They showed a decrease in total chlorophylls when grown on MR (0.295, 0.453, and 0.562 mg g−1 FW, respectively) compared to the control (0.465, 0.807, and 0.808 mg g−1 FW, respectively); however, they produced higher essential oil content (1.8%, 3.06%, and 2.88%, respectively). The outcomes of this study could offer valuable insights for the advancement of revegetation technologies and the utilization of plant products derived from phosphate-mine residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nyctanthes arbor-tristis Linn. is a small, sacred ornamental tree used in prayer. It is renowned throughout India for its aromatic white blossoms. The entire plant was widely used for several health applications particularly root and bark were used to treat fever and cough, respectively. Also, the leaf was used for managing fever and diabetes, and its cholagogue, diaphoretic, and anthelmintic properties. Main text: The current review aimed to comprehensively analyze the botanical characteristics, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of N. arbor-tristis essential oil (NAEO) and extracts. Additionally, it wants to emphasize the latest advancements in phytochemistry and pharmacology related to this aromatic plant. Depending on the variety, origin, and plant parts used, the NAEO yield ranged from 0.002 to 0.10% on a dry basis. The NAEO has been investigated in only a few research studies and resulted, in the predominant levels of phytol and methyl palmitate chemical compounds. Furthermore, the NAEO was found to have significant volatile chemical constituents, including geranylgeraniol, phytoene, nonadecane, linalool, and various other miscellaneous chemical components. The plant extracts and NAEO have numerous biological properties, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, larvicidal, and other miscellaneous activities. Conclusion: This paper analyzes and summarizes the diverse research potential associated with N. arbor-tristis. The results of the present study suggested that most of the biological and pharmacological investigations were carried out without including dosage, positive controls, and negative controls. Furthermore, several pharmacological investigations were exclusively carried out using cell lines and animal models. Hence, the following research endeavors aimed at assessing the medicinal properties of NAEO and extracts in human subjects would broaden the scope of its utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants provide a significant supply of natural compounds that can be used to develop new therapeutic medicines for treating severe illnesses including microbial infections. The genus Bambusa, which belongs to the Poaceae family, encompasses a vast and widely distributed collection of plants that possess a wide range of traditional uses in the treatment of various diseases. This study examined the ethanolic extracts of Bambusa tulda, along with its fractions such as ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, n-butanol, and water, to investigate their qualitative and quantitative phytochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. FTIR analysis of ethanolic powdered shoot extracts shows, presence of different functional groups including C-H, C-O, O-H and aromatic groups by showing stretching’s in different wavelengths. The extracts underwent testing to evaluate their antimicrobial activity against various strains of bacteria by using agar disc diffusion method and micro-dilution techniques to determine the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations. Additionally, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed using the scavenging activity of DPPH radical methods. The extracts exhibited a robust positive connection between their antioxidant activity and the combined amounts of phenolics and flavonoids. The IC50 values of n-butanol, ethanol, water, petroleum ether, and ethyl acetate fraction show in ascending order 10.77+0.24 μg/ml, 11.35+0.13 μg/ml, 13.36+0.11 μg/ml,13.93+0.71 μg/ml and14.25+ 0.27 μg/ml respectively. The extracts have been shown effective efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. However, it did not show any responses against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Escherichia coli exhibited greater susceptibility to the extracts compared to S. aureus, with the n-butanol fraction being the most potent extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study we evaluate the potential of essential oil and extracts obtained from Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum (Link) Ietswaart) to inhibit the mycelial growth of economically important plant pathogens from genus Phytophthora. The metabolite profiles of the essential oil, exudate, extract and methanolic polarity-based fractions were analyzed by GC/MS. The inhibitory activity of the essential oil and extracts against P. nicotianae var. nicotianae, P. rosacearum, P. citricola, P. plurivora and P. cryptogea was evaluated in an in vitro bioassay. Carvacrol (55.48%), p-cymene (11.06%) and γ-terpinene (15.04%) were the most abundant in the essential oil composition. In the acetone exudate and non-polar fraction, the main compound was carvacrol (48.15% and 50.34% respectively). In least amount carvacrol was found in the methanolic extract (13.24%) and completely absent in the polar fraction, where carbohydrates were the most abundant. All Phytophthora isolates responded to extracts and essential oil treatments with a decline of the vegetative growth to a different extend. A complete inhibitory effect was observed with P. nicotianae var. nicotianae in the essential oil, nonpolar fraction, acetone exudate and methanol extract variants, while the mycelial growth of P. cryptogea and P. plurivora was inhibited to a moderate degree. P. rosacearum was the most tolerant among tested oomycete representatives in these variants. We conclude that the economically important Phytophthora species, investigated in this study are susceptible to the impact of essential oil, methanol extract, the methanol's non-polar fraction, and acetone exudates of the aromatic plant O. vulgare subsp. hirtum. Essential oil, methanol extract, acetone exudate and non-polar fraction of Greek oregano are rich of carvacrol and could find further application in different sustainable crop protection systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basil is a highly valued aromatic plant worldwide, and drying is one of the best ways to preserve its leaves. Through a theoretical approach, the microwave drying of basil leaves can be modeled, and the effective diffusivity can be determined. However, using a model that considers moisture diffusion in the presence of intensive microwave energy is crucial. This study proposed a theoretical model to simulate the microwave drying of basil leaves in a thin layer. The model assumed that the material is homogeneous and isotropic, with the effective diffusivity depending on the microwave power. The model was solved numerically and validated with experimental data. The study also examined the effect of the microwave power on the color and bioactive properties during drying. The drying time was reduced by 60%, by increasing the microwave power from 199 W to 622 W. The effective diffusivity was found to be directly proportional to the microwave power. Drying at low powers was found to cause basil pigment degradation. However, drying at a power of 622 W resulted in better preservation of the leaves without browning. Finally, microwave drying negatively affects the bioactive compounds, as the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in all the powers evaluated were significantly lower than in fresh basil leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Rosemary is a spice plant with a long traditional history, and its flavor and antioxidant properties play an important role in animal diets and healthy growth. Many studies have focused on the effects of rosemary extracts and essential oils on livestock and poultry, with few studies using fresh-leaf rosemary powder in animal feeds. Therefore, our experiment investigated the effects of direct use of fresh rosemary leaf powder on growth performance, meat quality, fatty acid content, intestinal flora, and antioxidant properties of broilers. The scope of our experiment provides a basis for the development and utilization of rosemary as a natural plant feed ingredient. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a natural spice plant with an aromatic flavor and antioxidant properties that can help enhance the flavor and texture of food, as well as be used as an antioxidant source in pet feed. This study explored the effect of rosemary on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens. In total, 144 healthy 1-day-old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into four groups: The control group was fed a basic diet, while the positive control group was fed a basic diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg kitasamycin, and the treatment groups were fed a basic diet supplemental with 0.5% rosemary, or 2% rosemary. The average daily feed intake of broilers fed with 0.5% and 2% rosemary in 1–42 days was higher than that in the basal diet group (p < 0.05). The pH was lower in the rosemary groups than in the 30 mg/kg kitasamycin group as measured in the thigh muscle tissue (p < 0.05), and the monounsaturated fatty acid C17:1 heptadecanoic acid content of the 2% rosemary group was higher than that of the other groups (p < 0.05). With 0.5% rosemary supplementation, the activities of the serum and liver antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) increased (p < 0.05); malondialdehyde content decreased (p < 0.05). The serum activities of CAT, total superoxide dismutase, and T-AOC increased with 2% rosemary supplementation (p < 0.05). The relative expression of liver antioxidant genes, the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2, glutathione catalase 1, and superoxide dismutase 1 increased (p < 0.05) with 0.5% rosemary supplementation. The addition of rosemary resulted in higher intestinal lactobacilli counts and lower E. coli counts. In summary, adding 0.5% or 2% rosemary to the diet improved the growth performance of Arbor Acres broilers and increased the number of intestinal probiotics, and supplementing with 0.5% rosemary yielded better results than adding 2% rosemary. This study provides valuable insights into the broader application of plant-derived antioxidants in promoting sustainable and health-focused animal farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drimenol, a phytochemical with a distinct odor is found in edible aromatic plants, such as Polygonum minus (known as kesum in Malaysia) and Drimys winteri. Recently, drimenol has received increasing attention owing to its diverse biological activities. This review offers the first extensive overview of drimenol, covering its sources, bioactivities, and derivatives. Notably, drimenol possesses a wide spectrum of biological activities, including antifungal, antibacterial, anti-insect, antiparasitic, cytotoxic, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. Moreover, some mechanisms of its activities, such as its antifungal effects against human mycoses and anticancer activities, have been investigated. However, there are still several crucial issues in the research on drimenol, such as the lack of experimental understanding of its pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and toxicity. By synthesizing current research findings, this review aims to present a holistic understanding of drimenol, paving the way for future studies and its potential utilization in diverse fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of nutrient starvation on the growth, biochemical, metabolomic, and biological traits of Lavandula viridis L'Hér and Thymus lotocephalus G. López and R. Morales in vitro cultures. In both species, a reduction in shoot growth and in the production of chlorophyll and carotenoids was observed in cultures grown under nutrient-deficient media (especially Fe and N) compared to those grown under control conditions. The highest levels of hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation, two indicators of oxidative stress, were observed in L. viridis cultures grown under N deficiency and in T. lotocephalus under P and Fe limitation. The results demonstrated that nutrient deficiency led to a 72% and 62% increase in the quantified phenolic compounds in L. viridis and T. lotocephalus, respectively. The highest concentrations of the major compound in both species—rosmarinic acid—were observed in cultures grown under Mg-deficient (60.7 ± 1.0 mg/gDW) and Fe-deficient (50.0 ± 0.4 mg/gDW) conditions in L. viridis and T. lotocephalus, respectively. Furthermore, nutrient starvation enhanced the capacity of green extracts to inhibit three enzymes (tyrosinase, elastase, and hyaluronidase) associated with anti-aging and their antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavoring wine with Artemisia species, together with other aromatic herbs and/or fruits, is a practice that has evolved in different parts of Bulgaria. The aromatized wine-based beverage, called pelin, is named after the Bulgarian common name for the genus Artemisia. In this paper, we present Zmeyovski pelin, the history of which dates back to the early 20th century. We employed semi-structured interviews with 15 pelin producers from the Zmeyovo village with an age span from 44 to 83 years. The relative frequency of citation for each stated taxon was recorded. We explored the changes in the plant knowledge of the pelin makers and discussed the drivers for it. From a modern perspective, pelin can be considered a functional beverage since the aromatic plants and fruits adds a variety of biologically active substances to it, thus enhancing its health benefits. We regard the consumers' inquiry about the benefits of the added plants as a driver for mitigating the plant awareness disparity among the local community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rationale for this research is the investigation of the potential health benefits as well as the antibacterial and antifungal properties of selected aromatic plants from the Lamiaceae family, which may lead to the development of improved functional foods. The present study investigated the effects of incorporating dried aromatic plants Thymus vulgaris, Thymus serpyllum, Thymus × citriodorus, Origanum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis at a concentration of 1% in refined wheat flour and wholemeal flour on the production of functional tortillas. Sensory analysis was employed to identify the optimal 1% addition, with the objective of achieving a favorable flavor and aroma profile. It was hypothesized that this addition would affect water activity, moisture, texture, color, antioxidant content and phenolic content, thereby enhancing the tortillas as a source of bioactive compounds. The results indicated that the type of flour used had a significant impact on the water activity of the tortillas, with wholemeal flour resulting in higher water activity than refined flour. The water activity ranged between 0.735 and 0.821, while the water content remained relatively stable. The water activity in whole-grain tortillas was significantly higher than that of refined flour tortillas, with a value exceeding 0.8, which makes them susceptible to mold growth and the production of mycotoxins. The sensory evaluations indicated that the enriched refined flour tortillas with common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lemon thyme (Thymus × citriodorus) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) were rated highly; a similar result was observed for the whole-grain tortillas enriched with wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and lemon thyme. The whole-grain tortillas with rosemary were rated the highest of all the tortillas. The addition of aromatic plants increased the phenolic content and the antioxidant potential, depending on the flour type and the plant used. The addition of wild thyme and rosemary resulted in a significant increase in the phenolic content of wheat tortillas, while all enriched whole-grain tortillas exhibited a higher phenolic content than the control samples. The highest phenolic content in whole-grain tortillas was found in those fortified with rosemary, oregano and wild thyme. The highest antioxidant content was recorded in tortillas prepared with rosemary, irrespective of whether the flour used was refined or wholemeal. Fourteen phenolic compounds were tentatively identified in aromatic plants tested. The main phenolic compounds in Origanum vulgare were flavonoids. Rosmarinic acid was the dominant phenolic compound in rosemary and all thyme species, reaching the highest level in rosemary. Such high levels of rosmarinic acid may be responsible for the high antioxidant and total phenolic contents observed in rosemary extracts and also in tortillas when this plant is included in the recipe. The results of this study indicate that selected aromatic plants, particularly rosemary, have the potential to be utilized as functional ingredients in bakery products. By incorporating dried aromatic plants from the Lamiaceae family into wheat flour tortillas, food manufacturers can create products that not only taste better but also provide added health benefits. The use of selected herbs can improve the nutritional profile of tortillas by increasing antioxidant properties and, due to the properties of herbs, extend the shelf life of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracts from locally grown aromatic plants can enhance the geographical characteristics and microbial stability of craft beers, which are often not pasteurized or filtered. Here, the chemical and antimicrobial properties of aqueous extracts from leaves of Myrtus communis L., Pistacia lentiscus L., Artemisia arborescens L., and floral wastes of Crocus sativus L., all cultivated in Sardinia (Italy), were assessed. P. lentiscus extract had the highest polyphenol content (111.20 mg GAE/g), followed by M. communis (56.80 mg GAE/g), C. sativus (32.80 mg GAE/g), and A. arborescens (8.80 mg GAE/g). Notably, only the M. communis extract demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.18, 0.71, and 1.42 mg GAE/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Lacticaseibacillus casei, respectively. Additionally, it reduced the growth of Levilactobacillus brevis and Fructilactobacillus lindneri at concentrations of 0.35 and 0.71 mg GAE/mL, respectively. Based on its significant antimicrobial activity, the M. communis extract was further characterized using high-resolution mass spectrometry, revealing high abundances of nonprenylated phloroglucinols, flavonoid derivatives (myricetin), and quinic acids. Lastly, adding M. communis extract (2.84 mg GAE/mL) to commercial beer effectively prevented the growth of L. brevis and F. lindneri, showing its potential to avoid beer's microbial spoilage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was carried out at the Trans-Himalayan Herbal Garden, located at the National Institute of Sowa Rigpa-Leh, from 2021 to 2023. An assessment of pollen viability was conducted using seven significant medicinal and aromatic plants from the Ladakh region. Analysis of pollen vitality was conducted using the acetocarmine staining technique. The pollen viability of Inula racemosa Hook. f. ranged from 91.08 ± 1.39 % to 82.44 ± 1.48 % in Ephedra gerardiana Wall. Among the genus Inula racemosa, the highest percentage (91.08%) of viable pollens indicates a normal meiosis, whereas Ephedra gerardiana recorded the lowest percentage. Among the chosen species, Inula racemosa, Verbascumthapsus, Hyoscyamus niger, and Dracocephalum heterophyllum stand out for their exceptional pollen viability. These species can be effectively utilized for conservation purposes and as male parents in hybridization. The result for the average pollen density varied from 1533.07 ± 106.32 in Capparis spinosa L. to 276.00 ± 10.20 in Dracocephalum heterophyllum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As it might be known, organic products are increasingly in demand. Indeed, one of the most environmentally and friendly innovations are the bio stimulants. Their effect is exposed on the flowering, the plant growth, the fruits and the crop productivity and nutrient use efficiency. In this study we evaluate the effect of two aqueous plant extracts Ocimum basilicum and Eucalyptus globulus on the growth and the performances of tomato. The methodology consist on two parts of evaluation: the effect on the plant performances and the quality of the fruit. At the same time the composition of the two plant extracts have been necessary to evaluate the compound responsible on the effects. The results showed that both aqueous extracts had a positive effect on the plant performances. Indeed, Ocimum basilicum-treated seedling reached 1.35 ± 0.05 cm at the high 50% concentration. Compared with 1.02 ± 0.16 cm for the negative control. Same for Eucalyptus globulus that reached 1.35 ± 0.25 cm at the same dose. For the circumference of the seedlings, the same extract reached 8 ± 0.93cm at the highest concentration. The number of flowers per fruits had a positive effect for two plant extracts. For the quality of the fruit, a positive effect had been evaluated on the fruit weight that reached 121 ± 24 g with 8% of Ocimum basilicum and 135 ± 15 g with Eucalyptus globulus. Same for circumference; PH; the titrable acidity and the total Carbohydrate. At the same time, it had a negative effect on the total juice that has decreased by the aggregate of the concentrations. It had a neutral effect on the coloration of the fruit that didn't change by the application of the plants extracts. The phytochemical screening of the plant extracts showed that both Ocimum basilicum and Eucalyptus globulus are high in polyphenols that might be the reason of these positive impacts. This study showed that it is possible to use the plant extracts of Ocimum basilicum and Eucalyptus globulus as biostimulant to have a better production and productivity of tomatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) are well known for their valuable secondary metabolites and diverse phytochemicals responsible for a plethora of medicinal properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancerous, and analgesic activities, making them essential for various industries. Therefore, this significant market demand has led to the need to improve the quality and quantity of secondary metabolites and thus develop high-quality commercial products. In this context, polyploidization is considered a sound contemporary approach that produces new genotypes, leading to the overexpression of genes involved in biosynthesizing crucial metabolites. Enhanced natural metabolite production increases the biological activities of plant extracts along with enhanced tolerance against abiotic and biotic stresses to achieve homogeneity. This improvisation in the quality and quantity of plant secondary metabolites can maximize the medicinal value of the plants. Therefore, this mini-review aims to explore the importance of enhancing biological activity in medicinal plants, summarize the progress of synthetic polyploidization as a breeding tool in MAP species, and elucidate how this technique plays an important role in improving medicinal values. This breeding strategy could significantly advance future research and industrial applications by inducing superior genotypes with enhanced genomic complexity and improving traits like increased biomass, stress tolerance, and novel biochemical pathways. So, it can be concluded that in vitro synthetic polyploidization can be an effective tool for promoting the production of more distinctive genotypes with immense medicinal properties for a variety of commercial and pharmaceutical purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapeseed–rice rotation is a cropping system that improves the land-use rate. The present study conducted a field experiment with winter planting of rapeseed as treatment (WR) and winter fallow as control (CK) to investigate the effects of winter planting of rapeseed on growth, yield formation, and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) biosynthesis of fragrant rice in the two subsequent cropping seasons. The results show that WR treatment improved alkali-hydro nitrogen and rapidly available phosphorus contents in soil. Compared with CK, WR treatment significantly increased grain yield and effective panicle number per plant by 21.16–27.26% and 7.33–21.24%, respectively. Higher net photosynthetic rate, leaf area index, and dry matter accumulation of fragrant rice plants were recorded in WR treatment and CK. Furthermore, compared with CK, WR treatment significantly increased grain 2-AP content, which could be explained by increased content of pyrroline-5-carboxylic acid, methylglyoxal, 1-pyrroline, and enhanced activity of proline dehydrogenase. In addition, future studies should be conducted at a molecular level to reveal the regulation mechanism in 2-AP biosynthesis of fragrant rice under conditions of winter planting of rapeseed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile oil, mainly extracted from aromatic plants, is widely used in medical, cosmetics, and other industries for its disinfection, sterilization, antioxidant, and other effects. The yield of volatile oil was influenced by plant density and harvest time. Here, two common aromatic plants, Perilla frutescens and Ysphania ambrosioide, were taken as examples to investigate the effects of plant density and harvest time on plant yield-related traits, content, and yield of volatile oil, and the oil yield was determined by steam distillation. Results showed that plant density and harvest time significantly affected the yield and quality of the two plants (p < 0.05). Increasing plant density significantly increased the dry yield and leaf dry yield of P. frutescens, while the dry yield and volatile oil content and yield of Y. ambrosioides significantly decreased, and the maximum value exhibited was at the plant density of 80 cm × 80 cm. In P. frutescens, the maximum volatile oil content was obtained at the plant density of 60 cm × 60 cm, and the maximum volatile oil yield was obtained at the plant density of 30 cm × 30 cm. The yield and volatile oil yield of these two plants increased first and then decreased with the extension of harvest time. The maximum of P. frutescens was in mid-September, and that of Y. ambrosioides was in late October to early November. Our study provides new data for improving plant volatile oil yield and commercial value by optimizing planting density and harvest time and highlights the importance of optimizing planting management mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds are plant secondary metabolites, one of the most common and widespread groups of substances in plants, as well as a major group of phytochemicals present in medicinal and aromatic plants. The phytochemical composition of the hydroalcoholic extracts from S. raeseri, S. scardica and S. syriaca was determined by LC-MS/MS-QTOF analysis. A total amount of 23 secondary metabolites were identified, including 17 flavonoids (Fs), 4 phenylethanoid glycosides (PEGs), 1 phenolic acid (PA) and 1 fatty acid (FA). Among the three species, the constituents that have been detected in all of nine samples were: verbascocide/isoverbascoside (PEG), apigenin 7-O- glucoside (F), isoscutellarein 7-O-[6″-O-acetyl]-allosyl(1→2)-glucoside (F) and apigenin 7-(4″-p-coumaroylglucoside) (F). This study contributes to the phytochemical characterization of the Sideritis spp. by providing a comparative study of bioactive compounds present in three different Sideritis species, S. raeseri, S. scardica and S. syriaca, which are widely used as a herbal medicine in Mediterranean region and Balkan Peninsula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flowering period of rice significantly impacts variety adaptability and yield formation. Properly shortening the reproductive period of rice varieties can expand their ecological range without significant yield reduction. Targeted genome editing, like CRISPR/Cas9, is an ideal tool to fine-tune rice growth stages and boost yield synergistically. In this study, we developed a CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex genome-editing vector containing five genes related to three traits, Hd2, Ghd7, and DTH8 (flowering-stage genes), along with the recessive rice blast resistance gene Pi21 and the aromatic gene BADH2. This vector was introduced into the high-quality japonica rice variety in Zhejiang province, Jiahe212 (JH212), resulting in 34 T0 plants with various effective mutations. Among the 17 mutant T1 lines, several displayed diverse flowering dates, but most exhibited undesirable agronomic traits. Notably, three homozygous mutant lines (JH-C15, JH-C18, and JH-C31) showed slightly earlier flowering dates without significant differences in yield-related traits compared to JH212. Through special Hyg and Cas marker selection of T2 plants, we identified seven, six, and two fragrant glutinous plants devoid of transgenic components. These single plants will serve as sib lines of JH212 and potential resources for breeding applications, including maintenance lines for indica–japonica interspecific three-line hybrid rice. In summary, our research lays the foundation for the creation of short-growth-period CMS (cytoplasmic male sterility, CMS) lines, and also provides materials and a theoretical basis for indica–japonica interspecific hybrid rice breeding with wider adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon plays a crucial role in enhancing plant tolerance to various abiotic and biotic stresses, including drought, salinity, heavy metals, and pathogen/pest attacks. Its application has shown promising results in improving stress tolerance and productivity in medicinal plants. This review synthesizes findings from numerous studies investigating the mechanisms by which silicon confers stress tolerance, including the regulation of antioxidant systems, water relations, nutrient homeostasis, phytohormone signaling, and stress-responsive gene expression. Additionally, it examines the effects of silicon supplementation on the production of valuable secondary metabolites and essential oils in medicinal plants. Silicon application can significantly mitigate stress-induced damage in plants, including medicinally important species such as borage, honeysuckle, licorice, Damask rose, savory, basil, and eucalyptus. The deposition of silicon in cell walls provides physical reinforcement and acts as a barrier against pathogen invasion and insect herbivory. Furthermore, silicon fertilization can enhance the production of valuable secondary metabolites in medicinal crops under stress conditions. The findings underscore the potential of silicon fertilization as a sustainable strategy for improving the productivity and quality of medicinal crops under changing environmental conditions, highlighting the need for further research to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying silicon-mediated stress tolerance and practical applications in medicinal plant cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the effects of peppermint and sage intercropping with application of different fertilizer resources on the dry matter yield, essential oil content, and ecological indices under drought stress. Material and Methods: A field experiment was carried out as a split split plot based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with 36 treatments and three replications at the faculty of Agriculture, University of Maragheh, Iran in 2019 and 2020. The main factor was three irrigation regimes included 25 (MAD25), 50 (MAD50), and 75% (MAD75) maximum allowable depletion (MAD) percentage of the soil available water (SAW) as normal irrigation, mild and severe water stress, respectively. The sub-factor was different planting patterns included peppermint monoculture, sage monoculture, and intercropping of one row peppermint + one row sage and also sub-sub factor were application of different fertilizer sources including no‐fertilizer as control, TiO2 nanoparticles (100 mg L-1), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation, and integrative application of AMF and TiO2 (AMF + TiO2). Results: The results showed that the dry matter yield of peppermint and sage decreased significantly by 28.7, 27% in mild stress, 55.1%, and 64.1% in severe stress, respectively. The highest dry matter yield of peppermint (144.2 g m-2) and sage (172.7 g m-2) was obtained in the monoculture with integrative application of AMF + TiO2. The maximum essential oil content of peppermint (1.51%) was observed in intercropping with integrative application of AMF + TiO2. In addition, the highest land equivalent ratio (LER), actual yield loss (AYL), and monetary indices were achieved in normal irrigation with integrative application of AMF + TiO2. Moreover, the maximum net income of two plants was recorded in intercropping with application of AMF + TiO2 under normal irrigation, which was no significant difference with integrated application of AMF + TiO2 in intercropping under mild water stress. Conclusion: Generally, it can be concluded that the integrative application of AMF + TiO2 in intercropping of peppermint/sage could be suggested as a sustainable strategy to increasing the quantity and quality of essential oil of both plants under drought stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of tribal farmers and rural youths in adopting advanced cultivation and processing techniques for lemongrass in Marayoor, Idukki district, Kerala, as part of the United Nations Development Programme and Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants collaboration is discussed in the present study. The project, implemented across four tribal clusters from 2020 to 2022, focused on re-evaluating and enhancing lemongrass essential oil production technology. Results showed a three to four-fold increase in tribal farmer's income and year-round job opportunities for rural youths in the aromatic industry. Improved cultivation and processing methods led to self-sufficiency among tribal farmers and rural youths, reducing reliance on forest resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to investigate the impact of silicon on the regulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms, which in turn provide resistance against different plant infections that attack medicinal plants including Alloe vera, Ocimum tenuiflorum, Tinospora cordifolia, as well as aromatic plants such as Allium cepa and Curcuma. Initially, we analyzed the overall levels of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, protein, MDA, and H2O2 in all 5 plants that were infected with their specific pathogenic fungus. Subsequently, we assessed the effects of treating the plants with an external chemical spray of Silicon. Moreover, we assessed the activity of antioxidant enzymes in both sick and silicon treated circumstances. The findings of our study showed notable differences in all parameters among plants affected by fungal diseases, healthy plants treated with silicon, and infected plants treated with silicon, in comparison to the control group. The results of our study indicate that the addition of silicon (Si) before to treat fungal-infected medicinal and aromatic plants led to higher levels of antioxidant enzyme activity, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), and peroxidase (POD), compared to control, Si-treated, and pathogenic fungus-inoculated plants. Taken together, this work emphasizes the protective function of silicon in our experimental medicinal and aromatic plants against harmful fungus by enhancing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) is a medicinal and aromatic plant (MAP) belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Its morphological, productive and chemical characteristics are affected by abiotic and biotic factors. The use of biostimulants seems to be one of the most interesting innovative practices due to fact they can represent a promising approach for achieving sustainable and organic agriculture. Despite a large application in horticulture, the use of biostimulants on MAPs has been poorly investigated. On this basis, a field experiment in a 2-year study was done to assess the effect of foliar treatments with different types of biostimulants (containing seaweeds, fulvic acids and protein hydrolysates) and two frequencies of application on morphological, productive, and chemical characteristics of S. officinalis grown organically in Mediterranean environment. Morphological, productive, and chemical parameters were affected by the factors. The biostimulant application generated higher plant height, chlorophyll content, relative water content, biomass yield and essential oil yield compared to control plants. In addition, more frequent application of biostimulants produced higher biomass and essential oil yield. The application of fulvic acid and protein hydrolysates every week produced the highest total fresh yields (between 3.9 and 8.7 t ha-1) and total dry yields (between 1.3 and 2.5 t ha-1). The essential oil yield almost doubled (33.9 kg ha-1) with a higher frequency of protein hydrolysates application. In this study, 44 essential oil compounds were identified, and the frequency factor significantly influenced the percentage of 38 compounds. The highest percentage of some of the most representative monoterpenes, such as 1,8-cineole, a-thujone and camphor, were observed in biostimulated plants, with average increases between 6% and 35% compared to control plants. The highest values for total phenolics, rosmarinic acid, antioxidant activity were obtained in control plants and with a lower frequency of biostimulant applications. This study emphasizes how biostimulant applications may be used to improve sage production performance and essential oil parameters when produced in agricultural organic system. At the same time, biostimulants application caused a decrease in total phenolic, antioxidant activity and rosmarinic acid values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, a large number of aromatic and medicinal plants possess highly significant bioproperties, with numerous applications in medicine, pharmacy, cosmetology, and agriculture. This work aimed to conduct a phytochemical screening and assay of phytomarkers with biopharmaceutical potential and to assess the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Persea americana Mill. kernel extracts in vitro. P. americana plant samples were collected in May 2017 in Kinshasa. Three standard strains were selected namely Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Pseudomonas aeroginosa ATCC 9027 for microbiological assays. The phytomarker assay was used to detect total polyphenols, and the antibacterial activity was determined using the solid diffusion method on the Mueller Hinton medium to establish the minimal inhibitory concentration. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by the DPPH, ABTS, and Phosphomolybdate techniques. The findings showed that P. americana kernels contain secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, tannins, and triterpenoids, which may confer interesting biological activities. Quantitative phytomarker analysis of P. americana extracts showed a concentration of 69.70±3.07 mg/QE of total polyphenols and 27.53±1.15 mg/QE of flavonoids. All the extracts tested had low antibacterial activity against the three strains tested. However, the methanolic extract showed better antioxidant activity. In view of the IC50 values of our various fractions, it is clear that P. americana kernels possess interesting antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyphenols are natural bioactives occurring in medicinal and aromatic plants and food and beverages of plant origin. Compared with conventional therapies, plant-derived phytochemicals are more affordable and accessible and have no toxic side effects. Thus, pharmaceutical research is increasingly inclined to discover and study new and innovative natural molecules for the treatment of several chronic human diseases, like type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and osteoporosis. These pathological conditions are characterized by a chronic inflammatory state and persistent oxidative stress, which are interconnected and lead to the development and worsening of these two health disorders. Oral nano delivery strategies have been used to improve the bioavailability of polyphenols and to allow these natural molecules to exert their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and pro-osteogenic biological activities in in vivo experimental models and in patients. Polyphenols are commonly used in the formulations of nutraceuticals, which can counteract the detrimental effects of T2DM and osteoporosis pathologies. This review describes the polyphenols that can exert protective effects against T2DM and osteoporosis through the modulation of specific molecular markers and pathways. These bioactives could be used as adjuvants, in combination with synthetic drugs, in the future to develop innovative therapeutic strategies for the treatment of T2DM and osteoporosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red oregano (Origanum vulgare L. subsp. vulgare) is native to the mountainous slopes of Albania, thriving at altitudes ranging from 400 to 1300 m above sea level. The aerial components of oregano have been found to address a spectrum of health concerns. However, this subspecies presents intriguing characteristics that require comprehensive exploration and analysis. This study extensively analyzes the ex −situ collection of various genotype populations of red oregano in Albania. Essential oils were extracted by employing the hydrodistillation method. At the same time, their chemical analyses were carried out using gas chromatography coupled with a flame ionization detector (GC−FID) and gas chromatography coupled with a mass−spectrometer detector (GS−MS). We employed two statistical techniques, namely hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), which allowed for a comprehensive examination of the relationships within the data set and more profound insights into the compositional patterns and interrelationships within the essential oils to be gained. The results revealed significant qualitative distinctions at the intraspecific level, particularly for sesquiterpenes, of populations originating from seven diverse geographic locations. The study's findings enhance our understanding of the chemical composition of Albania's red oregano and its chemical variation among different populations, which will potentially contribute to identifying the most suitable clones for breeding programs within red oregano populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EOs) extracted from aromatic and medicinal plants have the potential to inhibit the growth of various pathogens and, thus, be useful in the control of dangerous diseases. The application of environmentally friendly approaches to protect agricultural and forestry ecosystems from invasive and hazardous species has become more significant in last decades. Therefore, the identification and characterization of essential oils with a strong inhibitory activity against aggressive and widespread pathogens are of key importance in plant protection research. The main purpose of our study is to evaluate the impact of essential oils originating from different genotypes of bee balm, mint, and marigold on Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium solani, and Phytophthora pseudocryptogea. Twelve essential oils, including five EOs originating from Monarda fistulosa, one oil each from Monarda russeliana, Mentha longifolia, Mentha piperita, Tagetes patula, and Tagetes erecta, and two EOs from Tagetes tenuifolia were derived by steam or water distillation. The chemical composition of the tested EOs was determined by GS-MS analyses and their corresponding chemotypes were identified. The most effective against all three pathogens were determined to be the EOs originating from M. fistulosa and M. russeliana. B. cinerea, and P. pseudocryptogea were also significantly affected by the M. piperita essential oil. The most efficient EOs involved in this investigation and their potential to control plant pathogens are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Plant-derived products or extracts are widely used in folk/traditional medicine to treat several infections, ailments, or disorders. A well-known medicinal herb, Myrtus communis is an evergreen fragrant plant native to the Mediterranean region that has been used for ages in traditional medicine around the world. Materials and methods: The microplate alamarBlue assay and the well diffusion method were used to evaluate the zone of inhibition and MIC, respectively. The double-disc diffusion method was used to investigate the synergy between antibiotics and the extract. The crystal violet method was used to investigate biofilm development. The SulphoRhodamine-B assay and DNA flow cytometry were used to investigate the proliferation and subsequent distribution of cells among different phases of the cell cycle. The apoptotic and necrotic phases of the cancer cells were examined using flow cytometry in conjunction with Annexin V-FITC/PI labeling. Using the IBM SPSS statistical program, a one-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test was employed for statistical analysis. Results: The ethanolic leaf extract of M. communis showed a strong growth inhibition effect (zone of inhibition: 20.3 ± 1.1–26.3 ± 2.5 mm, MIC: 4.88–312.5 µg/mL, and MBC: 39.07–1250 μg/mL) against several rapidly growing and slow-growing mycobacterial strains in a dose-dependent manner. Damage to the cell wall of bacterial cells was determined to be the cause of the antimycobacterial action. The extract inhibited biofilm formation (MBIC of 9.7 µg/mL) and eradicated already-formed mature and ultra-mature biofilms of M. smegmatis, with MBEC values of 78 µg/mL and 156 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the extract exhibited potent anticancer effects against diverse cancer cell lines of the breast (MCF-7), liver (HepG2), cervix (HeLa), and colon (HCT116) (IC50 for HCT116: 83 ± 2.5, HepG2: 53.3 ± 0.6, MCF-7: 41.5 ± 0.6, and HeLa: 33.3 ± 3.6) by apoptosis after arresting the cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Conclusions: These results suggest that M. communis leaf extract is a potential source of secondary metabolites that could be further developed as potential anticancer and antimycobacterial agents to treat diverse types of cancers and mycobacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to the yield maintenance along with environmental protection, the replacement or combination of chemical fertilizers with organic ones has received increasing attention recently. However, the yield and quality of production in aromatic plants differ from other plants. The present experiment was conducted for 2 years with the aim of evaluating the potential of vermicompost instead of nitrogen fertilizer for the production of geraniums without reducing its perfume quality. Regarded to the macronutrients, essential oil, and shoot yield, geranium treated with 20 ton ha−1 vermicompost and 16 ton ha−1 vermicompost + 40 kg ha−1 nitrogen had the best condition compared to other fertilizer regimes. Geranium is a perennial plant; hence the traits related to plant growth and yield were higher in the second harvest. Besides that, compared to treatments with a high amount of chemical nitrogen, the effects of vermicompost on the quality and quantity of geranium in the second yield were more effective and sustainable. Moreover, these findings suggested that an appropriate proportion of organic substitution not only provides uptake nutrients but also improves the essential oil yield and chemical composition. In fact, increasing the level of vermicompost resulted in improved oxygenated monoterpene content in geranium essential oil. According to the results of this study, cow manure-derived vermicompost could be a suited and sustained replacement for nitrogen inorganic fertilizer without any significant reduction in the quality and quantity of geranium products. Thus, it can be a practical step to reduce production costs, and environmental issues own to chemical fertilizers, particularly in aromatic plant cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing demand for higher-quality food production in smaller soil areas points to optimized land use. Intercropping has the potential to increase yield, reduce pests and diseases, and boost biodiversity. This study, conducted at the Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry, from 2017 to 2019, aimed to determine the effect of white cabbage intercropping with aromatic plants, calendula, French marigold, thyme, and sage on yield, mineral and biochemical composition. Aromatic plants are known to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases, so this study aimed to determine whether aromatic plants affect the yield, mineral, and biochemical composition of white cabbage. The two-year observations demonstrated that aromatic plants did not affect or slightly affect the mineral composition of cabbage's primary macronutrients (N, P, K, Mg, and Ca). Cabbage's dry matter, sugars, and ascorbic acid content vary when grown intercropped with aromatic plants compared to monoculture. Although the results were comparable, sugar concentration was lower in all cabbage combinations than in monoculture. Lower nitrate levels were detected in cabbage monoculture, probably due to agro-meteorological circumstances. The highest cabbage yield was achieved by intercropping with thyme (7.25 t/ha) compared to monoculture (6.81 t/ha) in 2018. It was found that intercropping with aromatic plants had little effect on the biochemical composition of white cabbage. The study results suggest that French marigold and thyme can be grown together with white cabbage to improve the phytosanitary of vegetables without compromising the biochemical quality of the cabbages. However, the influence on biochemical composition, especially on the nitrate and glucosinolate levels, should be examined further, providing valuable insights for future research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A complete and comprehensive chemical and biological study of Drimys granadensis, a native Ecuadorian aromatic plant, was conducted. By conventional steam distillation from dried leaves, a yellowish, translucent essential oil (EO) with a density of 0.95 and a refractive index of 1.5090 was obtained. The EO was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC/MS) and an FID detector (GC/FID), respectively. Enantiomeric distribution was also carried out by GC/MS using a chiral selective column (diethyl tert-butylsilyl-BETA-cyclodextrin). The microdilution broth method was employed to assess the antibacterial and antifungal activity of the EO against a panel of opportunistic microorganisms. Antioxidant capacity was measured using diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals. Finally, the inhibitory potential of the EO against acetylcholinesterase was also valued. Sixty-four chemical compounds, constituting 93.27% of the total composition, were identified, with major components including γ-muurolene (10.63%), spathulenol (10.13%), sabinene (5.52%), and δ-cadinene (4.22%). The characteristic taxonomic marker of the Drimys genus, Drimenol, was detected at very low percentages (<2%). Two pairs of enantiomers ((1S,5R)-(+)-α-pinene/(1S,5S)-(–)-α-pinene; (1S,5R)-(+)-β-pinene/(1S,5S)-(–)-β-pinene) and one pure enantiomer (1R,4S)-(–)-camphene were identified. Regarding antimicrobial potency, the EO exhibited a significant moderate effect on Listeria monocytogenes with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 250 µg/mL, while with the remaining microorganisms, it exerted less potency, ranging from 500 to 2000 µg/mL. The EO displayed moderate effects against the ABTS radical with a half scavenging capacity of 210.48 µg/mL and no effect against the DPPH radical. The most notable effect was noticed for acetylcholinesterase, with a half inhibition concentration (IC50) of 63.88 ± 1.03 µg/mL. These antiradical and anticholinesterase effects hint at potential pharmacological applications in Alzheimer's disease treatment, although the presence of safrole, albeit in low content (ca. 2%), could limit this opportunity. Further in vivo studies are necessary to fully understand their potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leaf parsley growth and productivity are often affected by pathogen infection. Root-knot nematodes of the genus Meloiogyne are common pathogens reported on leaf parsley. The response of leaf parsley to Meloidogyne species in tropical and subtropical regions is quite known, while in temperate regions, comparable information is still scarce. In this study, we evaluated the host status and response of three flat-leaf (Laica, Laura, Gigante d'Italia) and three curly-leaf (Grüne Perle, Orfeo, Sombre) parsley cultivars to Meloidogyne species from temperate regions, i.e., M. hapla, M. chitwoodi, and M. fallax, as well as to the southern root-knot nematode M. incognita. Evaluation was based on measuring plant biomass and nematode reproduction nine weeks after nematode inoculation. Our results showed that all four Meloidogyne species did not cause the reduction in leaf parsley growth under the given experimental conditions. Regarding the host status of leaf parsley cultivars for Meloidogyne, results were variable. All six parsley cultivars were found to be good hosts for M. hapla. Regarding M. chitwoodi, the host status could not be clarified properly; however, each cultivar allowed nematode reproduction at least in one experiment. For M. fallax, flat-leaf parsley turned out to be less susceptible than curly-leaf parsley; and for M. incognita, Orfeo, Laura, and Laica were classified as good hosts, Grüne Perle and Sombre as poor hosts, and Gigante d'Italia as a non-host. Amongst all tested cultivars, Gigante d'Italia was found to be the least susceptible cultivar due to its poor host status for M. chitwoodi and non-host status for M. fallax and M. incognita. Infection with M. hapla, M. chitwoodi, and M. incognita, but not with M. fallax, resulted in distinct gall formation on the roots of all six leaf parsley cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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